Coronavirus pandemic hits South West's economy significantly

The impact that the first lockdown had on the South West's economy has been revealed.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics show that our region had negative growth in GDP, dropping by 19.1% between April and June last year.

This was consistent across all four countries in the UK: Scotland fell by 19.4%, followed by England which fell by 19.0%, Wales fell by 15.1% and Northern Ireland fell by 13.6%.

Of the nine English regions, the largest negative was the West Midlands with negative 21.0%, whilst the smallest decline came from London, at negative 16.6%.

The full break down for England's growth in Quarter 2 of 2020 can be found below:

1. West Midlands; -21.0%

2. East of England; -20.9%

3. South East; -20.6%

4. North West; -20.3%

5. South West; -19.1%

6. Yorkshire & The Humber; -18.7%

7. East Midlands; -18.7%

8. North East; -17.5%

9. London; -16.6%

The Office for National Statistics add that: "Regional data can be volatile and quarterly movements should be considered alongside the long-term trend."

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• south west
• GDP
• Economy
• office for national statistics